With a new moon on May 11, the Super Moon on May 26, and a meteor shower on June 7, May and June are great months for stargazing! Enjoy some of the best indoor spots for outer space views at these PA planetariums and observatories where the beauty and majesty of the celestial sphere is on full display and truly out of this world!
1. Neil Armstrong Planetarium
Altoona
Go “Inside Outer Space” at The Neil Armstrong Planetarium at Altoona Area High School! For nearly half a century, the planetarium and associated Space Race Museum have been educating area students and the general public on the wonders of space. For hands-on, night sky observations, be sure to check out the public events held at the planetarium’s Mt. Lion Observatory at Fort Roberdeau on the last Friday of every month, weather permitting.
2. Buhl Planetarium
Pittsburgh
Get ready to fly to the Moon, soar to Saturn, gaze at the stars, and travel through distant galaxies without ever leaving Mother Earth with a trip to the Buhl Planetarium at the Carnegie Science Center. As one of the most technically sophisticated planetariums in the world, their high-definition, full-dome experience will delight, educate, and inspire. With programs for everyone from the littlest tykes to avid astronomers – both newbies and experienced, and assistive listening and tactile devices for those with hearing or visual impairments, the planetarium takes every visitor to infinity and beyond – no rocket ship needed! Continue the fun at the Center’s roboworld®, the world’s largest permanent robotics display featuring hands-on activities and immersive encounters.
3. Neag Planetarium
Reading
Experience an educational and magical stargazing show like no other at Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum. Explore the wonders and beauty of our solar system as you join a family on vacation from a distant solar system or join Big Bird and Elmo as they take an unforgettable journey to the moon and back! You can even explore earth’s wonders as you follow a trail of energy flowing from the Sun into the systems that shape our climate. Get ready to rock out on the last Friday of the month with “Floyd Final Fridays” – a visual and sound spectacle combining the classic rock of Pink Floyd with immersive art!
4. Thomas Cupillari Observatory
Dalton
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the universe at one of the public viewing events at Keystone College’s Thomas Cupillari Observatory. Located a short distance from the college’s main campus, the observatory offers a unique, hands-on viewing experience for all. Peer through their telescopes at Mars, the Moon, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and the Milky Way. Their current sessions are held Wednesdays and Fridays, weather permitting, throughout May, starting at 8:30 p.m. and are at no charge!
Still craving more stargazing locations in PA? We’ve got you covered. Explore the visitPA website and find even more outdoor locations that will leave you in awe. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.